Effective methods for strengthening teeth and enamel strength

Baby teeth are susceptible to various diseases no less than permanent teeth. And often very young children develop dental diseases that require treatment. Although many parents believe that it is not necessary to treat baby teeth, since they will eventually be replaced by permanent ones. But this is not true at all. Let's look at why teeth need to be treated and how dental treatment works in children aged 2-3 years.

Why teeth and enamel are destroyed - possible reasons

The tendency to carious processes may be due to genetic prerequisites, disruptions in the endocrine system, disruptions in the gastrointestinal tract and other internal factors. But these are not all possible reasons that provoke the rapid destruction of enamel and even dentin. The following phenomena contribute to pathological processes:

• heavy plaque, supra- and subgingival deposits as a result of insufficient and irregular hygiene, violation of teeth brushing technique,
• caries and non-carious lesions,
• malocclusion and, as a result, pathological abrasion,
• unbalanced diet, namely abuse of sweet and carbohydrate foods, foods high in acids,
• sudden temperature changes in food and drinks,
• frequent drinking and smoking,
• mechanical damage,
• long-term drug therapy.

There are many factors that affect the condition of teeth.
Does enamel often weaken due to sudden hormonal changes? for example, during pregnancy. During this period, it is extremely important for expectant mothers to pay close attention to the health of their teeth and gums, ensure a constant supply of beneficial vitamins and microelements to the body, maintain hygiene and not skip visits to the dentist for preventative measures.

How does calcium deficiency manifest itself?

An irresistible urge to chew chalk is a classic symptom of calcium deficiency. But even if you don’t think about anything like that, your body can still send appropriate signals.

The following symptoms will help diagnose a deficiency: increased bone fragility, caries, periodontitis and crumbling of teeth, muscle spasms and cramps, numbness of the limbs, a feeling of “crawling” in the fingers, back and neck pain, abnormal heart rate, difficulty concentrating.

If one or more of these symptoms is detected, you should consult a doctor: he will help you adjust the diet of the expectant mother.

The recommended daily intake of calcium for a pregnant woman is 1300 mg, and for a nursing woman - 1400 mg. The absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestine is facilitated by vitamin D, which is produced under the influence of sunlight and can also be obtained from food. Taking into account the peculiarities of our climate, in addition to daily walks, the doctor may prescribe medications containing this vitamin to a pregnant or nursing mother.

Read our article for useful information on preventing calcium deficiency.

When is it time to start strengthening your teeth and gums?

Maintaining oral health is necessary throughout life, and care must begin from a very early age, and in many ways this is the responsibility of parents. But there are situations that literally leave no choice. In such cases, additional measures cannot be avoided to prevent complete destruction or loss of teeth. The following are the main indications for strengthening teeth and gums:

• the smile has noticeably turned yellow, a plaque has appeared,
• discomfort or even pain occurs when eating,
• enamel reacts sharply to mechanical stimuli, temperature changes in food, sour, salty and sweet - the main signs of hyperesthesia,
• crowns are visible along the cutting edge line,
• visible defects appeared: chips, scratches and microcracks,
• all signs of carious processes are present.

A sharp reaction of teeth to cold and sweet foods may be an indicator of their strengthening.
Procedures aimed at restoring and strengthening the hard tissues of the oral cavity are also prescribed as part of the complex treatment of a wide variety of dental diseases. These include inflammatory diseases of the gums and periodontal tissues (gingivitis, periodontitis and periodontal disease as its complication), and neoplasms in the thickness of the mucous membrane, and many other pathological conditions that require full attention.

If there is no tooth, but the others are loose. What should I do?

In this case, we can use removable dentures made from individual impressions. The missing tooth will be covered with an artificial crown.

Pros:

• a removable denture will preserve diction;
• restore the child’s chewing, bite and self-esteem;
• getting used to it will happen very quickly.

The choice of design and material depends on the specific situation. For some injuries, this is the only possible option while the healing process is underway.

Foods that are good for enamel and gums

One of the main conditions for oral health is proper nutrition. It is important to diversify your daily diet with foods rich in healthy vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients. As for strengthening enamel, experts strongly recommend the following products:

• seafood is the main source of fluoride,
• dairy products high in calcium,
• nuts, in particular pine nuts, almonds, cashews,
• kiwi with a high content of vitamin C - unlike many citrus fruits, kiwi is less chemically irritating to the enamel, but saturates it with beneficial vitamins,
• fresh greens as another powerful source of vitamin C, which also helps strengthen the oral mucosa,
• raw fruits and vegetables - at the moment of biting into the fruit, a natural cleansing of bacterial plaque occurs. In addition, these products are rich in beneficial vitamins and microelements,
• Honey is a natural antiseptic and a source of a huge amount of vitamins and minerals necessary for the body.

Proper nutrition is an important condition for oral health.
It is equally important to give up bad habits such as smoking and frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages. It is better to limit sugary sodas and sour foods. To keep your teeth intact and healthy for as long as possible, it is recommended to give up the habit of gnawing on seeds and nuts.

Restoration of baby teeth

If a child’s baby tooth breaks off or if the dental crown is severely damaged by caries, restoration is carried out. However, if for adult patients one of the most important aspects during restoration is aesthetics, then for children functionality is much more important. Therefore, restorative filling materials are always selected taking into account the patient’s age - for children, durability and impeccable aesthetics are not so important, a good marginal fit of the fillings and the preservation of dental tissues are much more important. Filling materials that are too strong can put pressure on dental tissues and contribute to their destruction, and therefore dentists choose materials that will recreate and maintain the integrity of the dental crown until the moment of natural tooth loss.

Oral hygiene rules - recommendations from experts

To strengthen the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity, it is important to ensure a high level of hygiene. Preventive measures should be mainly aimed at combating thinning and hyperesthesia, mobility of elements and inflammation of periodontal tissues.

Thus, regularity in daily cleaning is not the only condition for maintaining health. It is equally important to perform the procedure correctly and use the correct brush and paste for this. It is better to consult your dentist on this matter, since only a doctor will be able to give an accurate assessment of the current state of the oral tissues, and therefore choose the right direction in prevention.

Proper dental hygiene is important to maintain your smile.

As additional measures, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory rinses, soothing and strengthening gels for gums, the use of floss after meals and an irrigator as part of daily hygiene are often recommended. Once every six months, you must visit a dentist for a preventive examination and a hygienist for a comprehensive professional examination. hygiene: removing plaque, supra- and subgingival deposits, mineralization of hard tissues and strengthening gums.

Procedures to strengthen enamel in dentistry

In dentistry, special concentrated formulations with a high mineral content are used for this purpose. As part of complex treatment and recovery, special fluoridated toothpastes are often prescribed, recommendations are given regarding the permissible hardness of a toothbrush and adherence to a certain diet. Popular procedures aimed at increasing the density and strength of enamel are described below.

Remineralization procedure

An integral and very first stage is prof. hygiene – this procedure involves removing plaque and subgingival deposits, as well as strengthening the gums and hard tissues. For the latter, fluoridation and remineralization are required - this can be a one-time procedure or a course of 3-4 sessions, depending on the condition of the enamel. Compositions saturated with calcium, fluoride and other beneficial substances are applied to the surface of the teeth. Remineralization can be prescribed for both adults and children from 6 years of age - according to indications.

How is fluoridation carried out?

This procedure is often carried out simultaneously with remineralization, since fluoride promotes better absorption of calcium. In this case, it is assumed that hard tissues will be treated with special fluorine-containing compounds that nourish the enamel and saturate it with the mineral necessary for strengthening. In regions where there is a deficiency of fluoride compounds in tap water, this procedure is especially necessary.

Fluoridation will help strengthen tooth enamel

“After whitening, my enamel became very sensitive. It happened that I was brought to tears if I took a sip of hot tea. I couldn’t stand it then and, on the advice of a friend, went to her dentist. He immediately told me that, apparently, they had gone too far, and now the teeth need to be restored. He prescribed special rinses and performed fluoridation. Soon it all went away, but I definitely won’t dare to bleach again...”

MargoFil, from correspondence on the woman.ru forum

As a preventative measure, fluoridation is carried out every six months. If necessary, the procedure is repeated more often. There is a simplified home version - surface fluoridation without filling the tubules. It can be carried out every month, and special gentle compositions are used for this.

Treatment and prosthetics

To treat pathological conditions that have led to a weakening of the enamel layer, along with fluoridation and remineralization procedures, special gels, pastes and rinses are prescribed. If you have specific symptoms, it is not recommended to choose such remedies on your own; you should definitely consult your dentist about this.

In some cases, not only restoration is required, but also covering the resulting defects. Such measures are necessary when there is a risk of damage to the dentin of the incisors or molars. To do this, they resort to composite building using the direct method (artistic restoration), to the installation of veneers or lumineers. In the most advanced cases, it is necessary to grind down the living tooth and install a crown.

You can strengthen your teeth with veneers

Treatment of baby teeth

At the initial stages, caries is treated without tissue preparation - remineralization of the enamel, as well as modern Icon technology, which allows filling without drilling, easily cope with carious lesions of the enamel layer. In later stages, when the dentinal layer is affected, as well as in the case of pulpitis and periodontitis, treatment of baby teeth with tissue preparation will be required. You should not be afraid of such procedures - modern methods of anesthesia allow them to be carried out completely painlessly and comfortably for a small patient. In addition, the anesthetics used are harmless, with a minimum concentration of the active substance. And the site of the upcoming injection itself is numbed by applying a special gel or spray (application anesthesia).

Experienced dentists try to carry out treatment quickly so that the child does not have time to get tired and capricious. If a child has bad baby teeth and a large amount of work is required, it is divided into several stages. It also happens that the child does not want to contact the doctor, is too afraid of treatment, or the volume of manipulation is too large and serious - in such a situation, it is possible to carry out therapy under anesthesia or with intravenous sedation (with a preliminary examination).

In case of pulpitis, the root canals are filled with special pastes that dissolve simultaneously with the “milky” root, so there is no chance that the medicinal material will remain in the tooth socket and will prevent the new tooth from growing properly.

Review of gels with remineralization effect for home use

Today, pharmacies have special gels in their assortment - to strengthen teeth, gums, get rid of hyperesthesia, inflammation and bleeding. It is better to start using such products after consulting with your dentist. Below is an overview of popular products for strengthening enamel and gums.

Gel ROCS Medical Minerals

A product with a remineralizing effect. Helps nourish the protective layer of dental tissues, saturating it with phosphorus, calcium and magnesium ions. After application to the enamel, it forms a kind of protective coating that prevents the negative effects of external aggressive factors. Xylitol in the composition normalizes the balance of microflora in the oral cavity. There is also a product designed specifically for use in children. The gel does not contain fluoride and is approved for use immediately after the appearance of primary incisors.

The cost of a 45 g tube will be about 400-450 rubles.

LACALUT fluor Gel

Regarding what else can be used to strengthen the enamel, many experts agree on the high effectiveness of LACALUT fluor Gel. The product contains sodium fluoride and amino fluoride. The combination of these substances promotes the formation of a protective layer on the surface of the crowns, stimulates restoration processes in the presence of chips and microcracks, as well as signs of pathological abrasion. Effectively fights hyperesthesia and also removes bacteria and plaque.

Price for a volume of 30 ml – 300-350 rubles.

GC Tooth Mousse

The mousse contains beneficial minerals and casein. By reacting with saliva, the active components are activated, forming a protective film on the surface of the enamel. It is not recommended to wash off the product for at least 7-10 minutes after application. The drug helps compact the surface layer and at the same time provides an excellent antiseptic effect. Recommended for use in combination with gum products of the same brand.

The approximate cost of the product (35 ml) is 1300-2000 rubles.

Protefix dental gel

According to the manufacturer, the product has a complex effect, promotes the restoration and saturation of the soft tissues of the oral cavity. The active components of the gel stimulate the regenerative properties of living tissues, effectively relieve inflammation and disinfect. Recommended for use if there are signs of inflammation in the gums.

Approximate price for 10 ml – 220-250 rubles.

Gel "Apident Active"

The domestically produced drug is not inferior in quality to its foreign analogues. It contains only natural plant ingredients, in particular propolis, bee venom, extracts of calendula, yarrow, sage, chamomile and fir. The product has a pronounced bactericidal effect on mucosal tissue, promotes their restoration and strengthening at the cellular level.

The cost of gel in a volume of 30 g will be about 200-250 rubles.

Which vitamin complex to choose?

At the present time, it is quite difficult to ensure an uninterrupted supply of vitamins and micronutrients in sufficient quantities through nutrition alone. To maintain immunity and prevent any pathological processes in the body, you have to periodically take a course of vitamins. To do this, you should choose only high-quality and proven complexes. According to expert reviews, the following two drugs, described below, have worked well.

Complex "Calcium D3 Nycomed"

The drug contains bioavailable calcium and vitamin D3 - cholecalciferol. These substances are virtually indispensable for the formation of healthy bone tissue and, accordingly, tooth enamel. The product ensures the formation of a kind of membrane that stimulates cell regeneration and renewal. The complex ensures mineralization of dental tissues from the inside, helps restore gums, nourish them and increase elasticity. Recommended for periodic use from the age of 5 in the dosages specified in the instructions.

The cost of packaging (60 pcs.) is 330-350 rubles.

Vitamins "Centrum Silver"

The multivitamin complex offers a whole range of macro- and microelements beneficial to the body with high digestibility rates. These include substances such as betacarotene, retinol, colecalciferol, ascorbic and folic acids, B vitamins, biotin and other elements important for health. The drug helps restore mineral metabolism in the body, including strengthening hard tissues and the oral mucosa.

Approximate price (30 pcs.) – 500-550 rubles.

Review of strengthening toothpastes

In some cases, experts recommend using strengthening pastes. They are offered as maintenance therapy or prevention of caries and other pathological conditions related to enamel health. The products presented below have proven themselves excellent in this regard.

LACALUT Aktiv and Sensitive

A popular brand of quality oral care products. Thanks to the wide range, everyone can find a suitable product for themselves. Pastes from the Aktiv and Sensitive series contain aluminum lactate, which stimulates the restoration and strengthening of hard tissues. These products are classified as preventative, but the company also produces a wide range of medicinal pastes designed for different clinical cases.

Approximate cost (75 ml): Aktiv – 200 rubles, Sensitive – 220 rubles.

Silca, Herbal Complete paste

The product is focused on restoring gum tissue and supporting enamel health. An excellent option for high-quality caries prevention (due to the combination of sodium fluoride and urea), as well as for those who suffer from hyperesthesia. The active components of the paste reduce sensitivity and provide surface remineralization. It contains natural extracts of calendula, chamomile, sage, yarrow, as well as vitamin E, which has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

The price of a 100 ml tube is 100 rubles.

SPLAT "Lavandasept"

Preventive paste with natural ingredients: essential oils of lavender, thyme and rosemary. The product has excellent antiseptic properties and provides good prevention of caries and inflammatory gum diseases. After its use, a thin protective film is formed on the teeth, preventing the intense formation of bacterial plaque.

The cost of 100 ml will be approximately 150 rubles.

Enamel structure

To understand how and why it is necessary to strengthen tooth enamel, let’s consider its structure and purpose. Enamel covers the surface of the teeth and protects them from any environmental influences. This is a very thin but durable substance that consists of calcium, phosphorus and other mineral components. The color of the enamel varies from milky to yellow. However, enamel is transparent, so the whiteness of a smile depends not on its color, but on the shade of dentin.

Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in a biological organism, it contains 97% of various inorganic substances.

For healthy enamel, an alkaline environment is necessary, which is constantly disturbed by bacteria living in the oral cavity. Microorganisms, when digesting leftover food, release organic acids - products of their vital activity. These aggressive acids can destroy enamel, which leads to the development of carious lesions.

Therefore, dentists around the world advise rinsing your mouth with at least water after every snack or dinner/lunch. But the best preventive measure against the aggression of food-processing bacteria is brushing your teeth or using special mouth rinses. Chewing gum without sugar can also block acids released by microorganisms.

The occurrence of caries

However, the integrity of the enamel depends not only on timely oral care; it is determined by genetic and other factors. And caries susceptibility nullifies all attempts to save tooth enamel from destruction. Despite high-quality oral care, the anatomical structure of molars allows plaque to accumulate in hard-to-reach places. These are interdental spaces, natural fissures (indentations on the chewing surface of the crown).

Removing the still soft plaque at the dentist can protect your teeth from destruction by caries.

An insufficient percentage of fluoride in the enamel structure also contributes to the development of caries: fluoride helps neutralize the aggressive effects of acids. It should be remembered that carbohydrate foods contribute to the rapid formation of plaque.

Saliva makes its contribution: due to poor nutrition, it lacks substances that neutralize the aggression of acids. The buffering properties of saliva decrease when it is viscosity and in insufficient quantity. Saliva in a healthy person is liquid, there is enough of it to perform its function - to cleanse the oral cavity of bacteria and food debris. Thick saliva promotes the development of tartar.

In addition to the listed factors, the general state of human health plays an important role in the predisposition to the spread of carious lesions. Chronic somatic diseases, poor genetics and lack of stress resistance lead to the formation of multiple carious lesions.

Traditional medicine tips

To prevent caries and non-carious lesions, you can from time to time resort to traditional medicine. But before you try another recipe on yourself, it is better to consult a dentist and rule out possible contraindications. The most effective and safest tips are described below.

Saline solution

Mix one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, then rinse your mouth thoroughly with the resulting solution. The product has a pronounced antiseptic effect, helps to relieve acute inflammation and reduce pain in pathological conditions.

Oak bark decoction

An effective remedy for restoring gums is prepared using oak bark - it can be purchased at any nearest pharmacy. It is advisable to add linden blossom to the crushed bark in a ratio of 1 to 1. Pour a teaspoon of the mixture with a glass of boiling water and leave for about an hour. After this time, the broth should be filtered and used for its intended purpose up to three times a day.

Gargling with a decoction of oak bark will help in treatment

Propolis tincture

For preventive purposes, you can use an aqueous solution of propolis tincture - for rinsing and applying to the brush. Propolis balls are perfect as medicinal chewing gum. The product has a pronounced bactericidal effect, helps reduce the activity of pathogenic microorganisms and restore the balance of microflora.

The photo shows propolis balls

Beeswax gum

To prepare this product, mix honey, beeswax, lemon juice and peppermint oil in a glass container in a water bath. Next, you need to let the resulting mixture cool until it hardens a little. Then the chewing gum should be cut into small pieces and used for its intended purpose several times a day. An additional effect is pleasant fresh breath.

Medicinal salad recipe

First you need to soak the seaweed in warm water and squeeze it out a little. Next, add basil seasoning and chopped sage. The salad should be chewed thoroughly for 15 minutes, and then it can be swallowed or spat out. This is a great alternative to cleansing after eating or consuming highly acidic foods.

Seaweed is a great alternative to brushing your teeth

Nutrition

The general health of a person and the strength of tooth enamel depend on proper nutrition. The body must have a sufficient amount of trace elements/minerals to maintain the level of density of the enamel coating.

Recommended Products:

• dairy/fermented milk products;
• fresh or frozen strawberries;
• fresh herbs;
• seafood.

Taking pharmaceutical calcium supplements is also justified, but along with them it is necessary to take vitamin D in the form of fish oil capsules or tablets.

Traditional methods

Strengthening the enamel layer is possible not only with the help of dental compounds, but also with folk methods:

• propolis;
• Activated carbon;
• salt applications;
• strawberry.

Propolis and wax

Bee products are widely used not only in folk medicine, but also in professional practice for the treatment of many diseases. Alcohol tincture, ointments, creams, and aqueous solutions are prepared on the basis of propolis. At home, propolis chewing gum is used to strengthen the enamel coating. To prepare it, you need to mix propolis, honey, mint oil and lemon juice until smooth. Propolis can be diluted with wax.

Chew gum after every snack. Chewing activates the secretion of salivary fluid, and propolis saturates it with essential microelements. Propolis also has an antibacterial effect, helping to destroy aggressive microorganisms. In addition to cleansing the oral cavity from acidic secretions of microorganisms, propolis chewing gum can fight sore throat, the first signs of a cold, gastritis and even stomach ulcers.

In advanced cases, traditional methods for restoring the enamel coating will not help.

Chew gum for no longer than 20 minutes. It is necessary to carefully monitor the body's reaction to propolis: at the first sign of allergy, you should immediately stop treatment with propolis and take antihistamines.

Is it possible to give propolis to children? Most young children tolerate propolis treatment well; allergies are observed in only 2-3% of children. Therefore, you can safely restore the enamel coating using propolis chewing gum. However, carefully monitor the baby’s condition and the body’s reaction to propolis: at the first signs of illness, treatment must be stopped.

Activated carbon

Using activated carbon powder (grind in a mortar or grind in a coffee grinder) you can thoroughly clean your teeth and get rid of plaque. The powder from one tablet is mixed with a small amount of water (a drop) to form a thick paste. You should brush your teeth with it once a week, but more often - every 4 days. In addition to cleansing, the powder whitens enamel well, as it absorbs food dyes.

Salt applications and massage

To restore the structure of the enamel coating, sea and ordinary salt are used. Rinsing the mouth with a weak solution of table/sea salt disinfects and inhibits the activity of pathogenic microorganisms. To strengthen the gums and eliminate plaque, massage with sea salt and vegetable oil is used. You can take any oil - sunflower, olive, corn or flaxseed. To prevent plaque accumulation/hardening, one massage procedure per week is sufficient. The oil is mixed with salt until smooth (mush) and applied to the teeth/gums. The massage is carried out with your fingers.

Sea salt for massage is taken in a fine fraction. It can be mixed with olive oil and rubbed into the gums. Or you can sprinkle it on your toothpaste and brush your teeth. Massage is done with a finger, performing circular movements. You should not press or forcefully press on the gums: a light touch is enough. After the massage, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide (1:1).

Strawberry

Strawberry applications saturate the enamel with microelements, strengthen it and cleanse it of plaque. To do this, rub the berry on your gums/teeth, leave the application for 4-5 minutes, and then rinse your mouth.

What do doctors think about home remedies for strengthening teeth?

Dentists have always been approving of home methods for preventing thinning enamel and gum inflammation, but only if they take a reasonable approach. Before starting any manipulations, you need to visit a doctor and make sure that you do not have any pathological phenomena that require professional help. Otherwise, you risk aggravating the situation with your own hands and leading to the development of even more serious complications.

To strengthen your teeth and gums, it is important to follow the recommendations of your dentist, maintain hygiene, use toothpastes, gels and rinses prescribed by a specialist, eat right and try to lead a healthy lifestyle. But it is better to give up alcohol and tobacco forever. Maintaining the balance of oral microflora and the health of the body as a whole is the main condition for strong teeth and a beautiful, healthy smile.

Bottom line

Strengthening tooth enamel is a vital task for every person. The health of teeth and the entire human body depends on the integrity and strength of the enamel coating. You need to start taking care of the health of your molars from early childhood. Parents are obliged to take care of the condition of the child’s teeth at the milk stage, because problems spread to the molars. Pathological abrasion of the enamel layer can be congenital, but acquired pathology is more common - after mechanical stress or from improper hygiene or unhealthy diet.

To strengthen the enamel coating, you need to use gels and pastes recommended by your dentist. It is also necessary to monitor your diet, give up unhealthy foods, and adhere to a healthy lifestyle. Remember that alcohol and tobacco negatively affect bone health—it’s best to avoid these unhealthy habits. Maintaining an alkaline environment in the oral cavity is the basis for the prevention of caries.

Sources used:

• Basics of prevention of dental diseases. Textbook / Yu.M. Maksimovsky, O.V. Saginah. - M.: Vlados-Press, 2005.
• Groshikov M.I. "Non-carious lesions of dental tissues." - M.: Medicine, 1985.
• Irwin CR, McCusker P "Prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in a general dental population." — J. Ir. Dent. Assoc., 1997
• Federal Center for Information and Educational Resources